Government type:
constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy; began
debating republic status in 1992
Capital:
Funafuti; note - administrative offices are located in Vaiaku
Village on Fongafale Islet
Administrative divisions:
none
Independence:
1 October 1978 (from UK)
National holiday:
Independence Day, 1 October (1978)
Constitution:
1 October 1978
Legal system:
NA
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),
represented by Governor General Filoimea TELITO (since 15 April 2005)
head of government: Prime Minister Maatia TOAFA (since 11 October
2004)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the
recommendation of the prime minister
elections: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by
the monarch on the recommendation of the prime minister; prime
minister and deputy prime minister elected by and from the members
of Parliament; election last held 11 October 2004 (next to be held
following parliamentary elections in 2006)
election results: Saufatu SOPOANGA resigned parliamentary seat on 27
August 2004 following no-confidence vote on 25 August 2004;
succeeded by Deputy Prime Minister Maatia TOAFA in an acting
capacity on 27 August 2004; Maatia TOAFA confirmed Prime Minister in
a Parliamentary election (8-7 vote) on 11 October 2004
Legislative branch:
unicameral Parliament or Fale I Fono, also called House of Assembly
(15 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held 25 July 2002 (next to be held NA 2006)
election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - independents 15